Improved diet quality may be associated with increased longevity and better aging in Israeli adults

1. In this study, improved diet quality amongst a cohort of Israeli adults was associated with successful aging and increased longevity. 

Evidence Rating Level: 2 (Good)

There is an expanding aging population in the United States (US) and worldwide, prompting increased attention to identifying determinants of successful aging. Previous studies have shown that healthy lifestyle and nutrition have been associated with longevity and better aging. However, studies that follow participants longitudinally and directly assessed successful aging are still needed.

This cohort study surveyed a random sample of 1770 Israeli citizens (53% women) 65 years or older at two timepoints: 1) between the year 2005 to 2006 (Time 1); 2) Survivors from Time 1 were subsequently contacted for a second interview between May 2017 to June 2019 (Time 2), of which 604 citizens participated. For assessment of nutrition, a 24-hour dietary recall was performed during Time 1 to calculate a Healthy Eating Index (HEI) score. During Time 2, successful aging was defined by preserved physical function, preserved cognitive function, favorable self-rated health, and mental well-being.

Between Time 1 and Time 2, 893 deaths occurred; however, the HEI score was inversely associated with mortality. In Time 2, 242 participants met all criteria for successful aging. After multivariable adjustment, there was a robust association between HEI score and odds ratio for successful aging. To account for further potential confounding, household income, body mass index (BMI) and comorbidities were used as covariates, which did not impact the association. However, this study was limited by the homogeneity of the study population as well as accuracy of nutritional status based on a 24-hour recall of dietary intake. Nonetheless, this study offers insight into the potential long-term benefit of higher quality nutrition in the aging population.

Click to read the study in JAMA Network Open 

Image: PD

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